Pre-Columbian Chontal stone seated figure

Pre-Columbian Chontal stone seated figure, a carved anthropomorphic sculpture from the Chontal culture of Guerrero, Mexico. The figure is made from a hard stone with a weathered surface, showing mineral inclusions and signs of age.

The carving represents a seated figure with bent legs and arms resting on the knees, a pose often associated with meditation, ritual significance, or reverence. The facial features are incised with a broad, flat nose, circular eyes, and carved lines extending from the cheeks, possibly representing body paint or ritual markings.

The arms and legs are stylized but display subtle anatomical details, including incised fingers and toes. The overall form is rounded and compact, giving the figure a sense of solidity and presence. The back of the sculpture is simplified and smooth, suggesting the emphasis was on the front-facing view.

This figure likely had a ritual or ceremonial function, possibly representing a shaman, deity, or ancestor figure. Chontal stone carvings, dating from the Late Preclassic to Early Postclassic period (200 BCE - 900 CE), were commonly used in funerary offerings, religious ceremonies, or as protective figures.

The craftsmanship reflects the Chontal tradition of abstract, geometric, and spiritual representation, where figures were rendered with minimal yet expressive detailing, emphasizing symbolism over realism. Ex. Barney G. Malone, Texas, 1970.